PABA - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

The full name of this water soluble vitamin is para-aminobenzoic acid. This occurs as a component of folic acid, although it is usually referred to as a separate B complex vitamin.

PABA is synthesized by intestinal bacteria and is stored in body tissues. It is believed that this vitamin also stimulates intestinal bacteria to help form folic acid, which then stimulates the production and utilisation of vitamin B5.

Bacteria are able to synthesize folic acid from PABA; therefore, for these organisms, it is considered a vitamin. Humans, however, cannot use aminobenzoic acid to synthesize folacin. PABA does perform certain metabolic functions in some animals.

Functions and benefits of Paba

PABA is important for healthy hair and skin, and taking it in supplement form may prevent hair loss by protecting hair follicles. PABA has been used in combination with salicylates in the treatment of rheumatic fever. PABA is also said to help prevent damage from pollution and secondhand smoke. It also suggested that PABA may be useful in improving connective tissue disorders as well as reducing inflammation from arthritis.

Paba has a number of important functions and benefits. For example it:

* PABA is used in combination with salicylates in the treatment of rheumatic fever.
* PABA is required hair health and a co-enzyme in the metabolism of proteins and the production of blood cells.
* PABA is used to improve the protein used in the body.
* Protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

Recommended Dosage for Paba

The dose used for these disorders is 12 grams daily taken in four to six divided doses with meals. The dose for Peyronie's disease and scleroderma is high and must only be used under medical supervision. Anyone taking more than 400 mg of PABA per day should consult a physician.

Food sources of Paba

Grains and animal products are good sources of PABA, however it is synthesised naturally from friendly bacteria in the intestines.

* Bran flakes
* Brewer's yeast
* Egg (whole)
* Molasses
* Rice
* Wheat germ
* Whole wheat
* Beef liver
* Cicken liver
* Lamb liver
* Turkey liver
* Veal liver

Deficiency Symptoms of Paba

Common deficiency of vitamin Paba are loss of sex drive; Constipation.General fatigue, irritability, depression, nervousness, graying hair, headache, and constipation or other digestive symptoms may occur. Just because a nutrient is supposed to be good for you, it does not mean it will have therapeutic benefits if taking alone. Long-term use of PABA or any supplement may cause liver damage if the dosage is exceptionally high.

When PABA is in short supply fatigue, irritability, nervousness and depression might manifest itself as well as constipation. Weeping eczema has also been noted in people with PABA deficiency as well as patchy areas on the skin.

Alien writes for Vitamins supplements . He also writes for vitamins world and you can get more information on PABA .

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticlelibrary.com

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